If you took down your bird feeders and bird baths this summer, like I did, to help stop the spread of a mysterious avian disease, there’s good news. Now, it’s OK to put them back up, according to state officials.

The condition, which causes some birds to have swollen, cloudy or crusty eyes, is sadly killing birds and remains unidentified. It was first discovered in May, in the Virginia-Washington, D.C. area, then spread to seven nearby states, including Connecticut.

On July 6, both The Connecticut Audubon Society and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection made recommendations to area birders to take in their feeders and bird baths.

“It was a precaution meant to reduce the number of places where birds could gather close to each other,” CT Audubon said.

Then, by the end of July, local scientists had evidence that the avian illness had arrived in Connecticut. Three dead birds were found and tested. They had the same symptoms as birds in other states.

Thankfully, in recent weeks, the strange illness has subsided, prompting state environmental officials on Aug. 20 to loosen guidelines on feeding birds.

If you choose to resume feeding birds in your backyard, CT Audubon recommends following these precautions:

* Clean feeders and bird baths with soap and water at least once a week, then disinfect with a 10% bleach solution to prevent potential infectious disease spread between birds and other wildlife.

* After cleaning, rinse well with water and allow to air dry.

* When handling bird feeders and baths be sure to wear disposable gloves and wash your hands when finished.

* Avoid handling birds unless necessary. Dispose of dead birds in a plastic bag, seal and discard with household trash. If handling is necessary, wear disposable gloves or use plastic bags on your hands to avoid contact with carcasses.

* Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife.

Thank you for caring about birds.

Bill Hobbs is an avid backyard birder. He lives in Stonington and can be reached for comments at whobbs246@gmail.com